Name: Sara Teiger PR
Based: Manchester
Website: www.stpr.co.uk
Over the last 12 months, I have learned not to count my chickens before an invoice has actually been paid. It’s been a mindset shift as much as anything else.
Previously, I used to think about my monthly earnings in terms of how much I had invoiced for. But as every freelancer and small business knows, getting paid is not as simple as sending out an invoice. It’s a hard lesson learned, but you’ve only earned the money once it lands in your account.
So now I mark in my calendar when payment is due and make sure I regularly check my online balance. If an invoice hasn’t been settled on time, I email the client right away with a polite reminder. If a further week goes by, I then pick up the phone. I hate doing it – and it makes me angry that I have to spend time chasing for money that should already be mine – but a phone call can work wonders.
My mantra is now that the longer an invoice remains unpaid, the more likely it is to remain unsettled. My new simple strategy is working and I currently have no overdue invoices. There’s always next month, but I know where the phone is.
Sara Teiger is a freelance PR consultant at Sara Teiger PR
